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UNH Manchester participates in all of the federal financial aid programs. In order to apply for federal financial aid the student must complete the 2008-2009 FAFSA Form.

FEDERAL PELL GRANTS are designed to assist students demonstrating exceptional financial need in the continuation of their training and education after high school. They provide eligible students with "a foundation of financial aid to help defray the costs of college attendance." During the 2008-2009 academic year, grants are expected to range from $523 to $4,731.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (SEOG) funds are available to undergraduates demonstrating exceptional financial need. Grants range from $100 to $2,250 per year.

FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM established by the National Defense Education Act of 1958, as amended. Perkins Loans carry a $20,000 aggregate loan amount for undergraduate study and a $40,000 total aggregate loan amount for graduate students, including their undergraduate loans. Repayment and interest do not begin until nine months after a student ends at least half-time study (an undergraduate student at UNH Manchester would need to enroll in six (6) or more credits for half time study), and may extend over a ten-year period. These loans bear interest at the rate of 5% a year on the unpaid balance.

SUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOAN PROGRAM is a low-interest loan made to a student borrower by a bank, credit union, or savings and loan association. The interest rate is variable, but will not exceed 8.25%.

• First-year undergraduate students may borrow up to $3,500 per academic year
• Second-year undergraduate students may borrow up to $4,500 per academic year
• Third and fourth-year undergraduate students may borrow up to $5,500 per academic year
• The overall maximum debt for undergraduates is $23,000

The federal government pays the interest on this loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Repayment begins six months after a student ceases to attend college at least half-time.

UNSUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOAN PROGRAM has the same terms and conditions as the subsidized Stafford Loan except that the borrower is responsible for interest that accrues while s/he is in school. This program is open to students who may not qualify for (or only qualify for) a partial subsidized Stafford Loan. Dependent borrowers may receive both subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans totaling up to the applicable Stafford limit if they do not qualify for the full amount under the subsidized program.

In addition to the borrowing limits established for dependent students, independent undergraduate and graduate students may be eligible to borrow up to:

• An additional $4,000 per year during the first and second year
• Up to $5,000 per year for undergraduates in their third year and beyond (the aggregate total for undergraduates is $23,000)

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM (Academic Year): With the aid of federal funds, UNH Manchester provides employment opportunities on campus or in nonprofit agencies off-campus for students who demonstrate financial need. Job openings throughout the year are posted in our office and on bulletin boards throughout University Center. Approved students may interview for such positions on their own. Students are paid every two weeks and expected to budget these earnings for educational expenses. Pay rates are set by the employing office/agency and vary with job responsibility, difficulty, and the employee's qualifications and experience. Students are assigned a total earning ceiling for the academic year based on need. Once students have reached their awarded earnings, the employer may choose to continue their employment as a regular student hourly employee.

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM (Summer): With the aid of federal funds, UNH Manchester provides limited summer employment opportunities for students with financial need. All students are assigned a total earning allotment for the summer. Students interested in applying for work-study during the summer are encouraged to complete their application material prior to the financial aid application deadline (March 1, 2008) to ensure adequate processing time for such applications.